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"It's refreshing to see so many young people embrace the sciences. They are our future in chemistry, science, and development as a whole."

-Steve Cornwall
ICL Performance Products

You Be The Chemist Activity Guides

A long-time educator favorite, the You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Activity Guides: Lesson Plans for Making Chemistry Fun are a must have for those who are looking for ways to effectively introduce important science concepts through hands-on activities! These exciting and valuable teachers' aids are produced by CEF and include two booklets divided by grade levels; one for grades K4, the other for grades 58.

The Activity Guide program was originally launched in 1997 and, as of fall 2012, is now in it's Fourth Edition! With each revision, CEF's goal has been to expand the educational content, keep in step with changing educational trends and standards, and provide meaningful connections to chemistry in our everyday lives.

The information included in the Activity Guides supports the framework of the National Science Education Standards (created by the National Science Academies) and is intended to make teaching science, specifically chemistry, more engaging for educators and students. Chemistry is the central science, and its concepts often extend into many other subjects as welland not just within the traditional sciences! This guide helps students make real-world connections through hands-on activities and gives educators tools to create lifelong learners who appreciate and understand the benefits of science!

NEW! Fourth Edition You Be The Chemist Activity Guides

The Fourth Edition Activity Guides feature nearly 1,000 pages of lesson plans, science content, activity sheets, and study materials designed to provide enriching scientific engagement in the classroom! This information is now available at the tip of your fingersfor FREEby clicking on the download link below or by ordering the low-cost You Be The Chemist flash drive. Download and take the content with you, create selective printouts, display content digitally in the classroomthe opportunities are endless!

 

Click HERE to download the
     Activity Guides!        

 

 

You Be The Chemist Flash Drive Order Form

 

Order the Activity Guide flash drives HERE or download a printable order form!

 

The Fourth Edition Activity Guides Include:

  • 30+ lesson plans
  • Curriculum connection to the National Science Education Standards within each lesson
  • A cross-link between the concepts explored in each lesson with corresponding sections of the YBTC Challenge study materials
  • Real-world applications highlighting to students how the concepts learned in each lesson relate to things they see and use every day
  • Expanded content that includes more background information, modifications, and extensions for each lesson
  • In-depth activity sheets and corresponding answer keys
  • Electronic accessible online or via flash drives

CEF extends gratitude to the many people who have played a role in the development of the Activity Guide! Specifically, we would like to recognize and thank our valued contributors and program volunteers. The development and production of these guides are only possible through their generous and loyal support.

How Do I Submit My Order Form?

To place your order, download the order form and return it to CEF by:

  • Mail: 1555 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
  • Fax: 703/527-7747
  • Scan & E-mail: comments@chemed.org

 

Complete our survey for a chance to win $150!

If you have purchased the YBTC Activity Guides and have used the lessons in your classroom, please complete and return our Educator Evaluation survey. Your name will be entered into a $150 cash drawing!*

Thank You and Good Luck!

 *Drawing conducted annually with two $150 winners.

 

Third Edition You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Activity Guides


The Activity Guides are divided  into two booklets according to grade level, one for grades K
4 and the other for grades 58. Each Activity Guide booklet contains approximately 30 educator-reviewed lesson plans, activity sheets, and a resource guide filled with safety information, tips for non-chemistry teachers, and much more.

CEF is currently donating its Third Edition YBTC Activity Guide booklets to educators and members of the chemical industry.


Request your copy at comments@chemed.org and experience the excitement!

View a sample lesson plan! (This lesson plan appears in both the K4 and 58 Activity Guide; The K4 version includes a suggested modification for grade appropriateness.)

Additionally, each K4 Activity Guide booklet includes an animated DVD to help introduce lessons and concepts, while each 58 Activity Guide booklet includes fun review game materials.

 
What Do I Need to Conduct the Experiments in the Activity Guides?

All materials needed to conduct the experiments in the Activity Guides can be easily and economically purchased at all-purpose stores, grocery stores, and office supply stores.

Download a complete list of materials needed to conduct the experiments: